Claustrophobia is a type of fear of closed and small spaces. 12.5 percent of the population suffers from this fear, in which the majority are women. People suffering from claustrophobia are afraid of closed spaces.

Many people are afraid of going into the dark. They are also afraid of going to the lobby or elevator alone. It felt as if someone would suddenly come and grab me from behind. The fear of getting stuck in a tight space, being imprisoned or falling on a wall is so high that it becomes difficult for them to even get a CT scan or MRI done. If this is happening to you too, it could be a sign of claustrophobia. It can range from mild to severe. If your daily routine and everyday work is getting disrupted due to claustrophobia, then you should pay attention to it. In this article of Health Shots, we will talk about the signs of claustrophobia, causes of claustrophobia and tips to deal with claustrophobia.

What is claustrophobia?

Psychiatrist Dr. Yuvraj Pant explains that claustrophobia is a type of irrational fear, that is, which has no basis. This problem found in people has nothing to do with reality and logic. People suffering from this are afraid of going alone in a dark room or using a public toilet. They need someone's company with them all the time. Otherwise one has to face confusion, restlessness, rapid breathing and sweating. Apart from this, some percentage of people may faint due to panic attack.
We also have to face.

According to the National Library of Medicine, claustrophobia is a type of fear of closed and small spaces. 12.5 percent of the population suffers from this fear, in which the majority are women. People suffering from claustrophobia are afraid of closed spaces. Be it a cave, a Mii machine or a crowded place. As soon as they go to such places, they face difficulty in breathing.

Claustrophobia is a type of fear of closed and small spaces. 12.5 percent of the population suffers from this fear, in which the majority are women. Image: Adobe Stock

Young people are more at risk of claustrophobia

Regarding this, psychiatrist Dr. Yuvraj Pant says that generally these problems are seen more in people between 20 to 35 years of age. People who suffer from any type of phobia have an increased risk of anxiety. Anger, irritability and anxiety persist in their behaviour.

Signs of claustrophobia

One faces difficulty in breathing and starts feeling strain in the chest. Also the problem of pain persists.
After reaching some unwanted place, one has to face sweating and headache due to fear.
Sudden increase in anxiety, due to which numbness is felt in hands and feet.
The mouth becomes dry and pain and cramps in the stomach also increase.

People suffering from claustrophobia are afraid of closed spaces. Be it a cave, a Mii machine or a crowded place. Image: Adobe Stock

It is not difficult to overcome claustrophobia (How to overcome claustrophobia)

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps in removing irrational fears. This prevents negative thoughts that arise from situations that trigger claustrophobia. With the change in thoughts, the fear of small and confined spaces reduces.

2. Exposure therapy

Exposure therapy is used to overcome anxiety and fear. During this therapy, a situation is created to trigger claustrophobia so that the fear can be controlled. By repeatedly coming in contact with such situations, the feeling of fear starts reducing.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps in overcoming irrational fears. This prevents negative thoughts. Image – Adobe Stock

3. Relaxation technique is beneficial

Take the help of breathing and visualization to remove the fear from your mind. Actually, the thoughts present in the mind can be controlled through deep breathing exercises. Apart from this, by single-mindedly concentrating on something, relaxation in the muscles increases. Also, for visualization, emphasis is laid on thinking of a place which can keep the mind calm.

4. Take help of medication (Medication)

Apart from controlling the feeling of fear through therapy, take medicine after medical examination and suggestion. With this, mental health remains good and phobia can be avoided. Antidepressant or anti-anxiety medicines bring peace to the mind.